abaft
at or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane
abase
cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
abate
become less in amount or intensity
abridge
lessen, diminish, or curtail
abridgment
a shortened version of a written work
abscond
run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along
abstain
choose not to consume
abstemious
marked by temperance in indulgence
abundant
present in great quantity
accept
receive willingly something given or offered
acceptance
the state of being acceptable and accepted
acceptation
acceptance as true or valid
accolade
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
accomplice
a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan)
acidulous
being sour to the taste
acme
the highest point (of something)
acumen
shrewdness shown by keen insight
acuminate
(of a leaf shape) narrowing to a slender point
adapt
make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
adipose
composed of animal fat
adversary
someone who offers opposition
aesthetic
concerning or characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste
affected
acted upon; influenced
affinity
a natural attraction or feeling of kinship
aflutter
excited in anticipation
agitate
move or cause to move back and forth
agrestic
characteristic of the fields or country
alacrity
liveliness and eagerness
aleatory
dependent on chance
alight
to come to rest, settle
alloy
a mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten
amalgam
a combination or blend of diverse things
amalgamate
to bring or combine together or with something else
ambiguous
having more than one possible meaning
amenable
disposed or willing to comply
anachronism
something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
anacoluthon
an abrupt change within a sentence from one syntactic structure to another
ancillary
furnishing added support
angwantibo
a kind of lemur
animadversion
harsh criticism or disapproval
animal
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
annuity
income from capital investment paid in a series of regular payments
annulate
shaped like a ring
anodyne
capable of relieving pain
anomaly
deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule
antagonize
provoke the hostility of
antipodal
the relation of opposition along a diameter
antrorse
bent or curved forward or upward
apathetic
showing little or no emotion or animation
Apocryphal
of or belonging to the Apocrypha
apostate
not faithful to religion or party or cause
appease
make peace with
apprehensive
in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
arbitrate
act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
archaic
so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
arenaceous
resembling or containing or abounding in sand; or growing in sandy areas
arenicolous
growing or living or burrowing in sand
argot
a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)
aristocrat
a member of the aristocracy
artless
simple and natural; without cunning or deceit
asseverate
state categorically
asseveration
a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)
assuage
provide physical relief, as from pain
assurgent
growing or extending upward
astute
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
asylum
a shelter from danger or hardship
atelier
a studio especially for an artist or designer
attentive
taking heed; giving close and thoughtful attention
attenuate
become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
attrition
the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction
auk
black-and-white short-necked web-footed diving bird of northern seas
auricle
a small conical pouch projecting from the upper anterior part of each atrium of the heart
austere
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
autodidact
a person who has taught himself
autodidactic
relating to or having the characteristics of an autodidact
autonomy
immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence
avarice
reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
axiom
(logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident
bacchanalian
used of riotously drunken merrymaking
bacillary
relating to or produced by or containing bacilli
bailiwick
the area over which a bailiff has jurisdiction
ballast
any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship
banausic
(formal) ordinary and not refined
barbel
slender tactile process on the jaws of a fish
baryon
any of the elementary particles having a mass equal to or greater than that of a proton and that participate in strong interactions; a hadron with a baryon number of +1
befoul
spot, stain, or pollute
befuddle
be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
beguile
attract; cause to be enamored
benediction
a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
berserker
one of the ancient Norse warriors legendary for working themselves into a frenzy before a battle and fighting with reckless savagery and insane fury
bezique
a card game played with a pack of forty-eight cards (two of each suit for high cards); play resembles whist
bilk
cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
blanch
turn pale, as if in fear
blithe
carefree and happy and lighthearted
blockade
a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy
bombilation
sound of rapid vibration
botryoidal
resembling a cluster of grapes in form
bounty
the property of copious abundance
braggadocio
vain and empty boasting
brattice
a partition (often temporary) of planks or cloth that is used to control ventilation in a mine
brazen
unrestrained by convention or propriety
breastplate
armor plate that protects the chest; the front part of a cuirass
briar
Eurasian rose with prickly stems and fragrant leaves and bright pink flowers followed by scarlet hips
brink
the edge of a steep place
brogan
a thick and heavy shoe
bruise
an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
buddleia
tropical shrub having clusters of white or violet or yellow flowers
buffoon
a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
burgeon
grow and flourish
burgoo
thick spicy stew of whatever meat and whatever vegetables are available; southern United States
burnish
polish and make shiny
cabal
a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
calash
the folding hood of a horse-drawn carriage
canard
a deliberately misleading fabrication
candid
openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness
canicular
relating to or especially immediately preceding or following the heliacal rising of Canicula (the Dog Star)
cantankerous
stubbornly obstructive and unwilling to cooperate
caricature
a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect
catachresis
strained or paradoxical use of words either in error (as `blatant' to mean `flagrant') or deliberately (as in a mixed metaphor: `blind mouths')
catalufa
brightly colored carnivorous fish of western Atlantic and West Indies waters
catalyst
(chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
cataphract
armor that protects the wearer's whole body
categorematic
of a term or phrase capable of standing as the subject or (especially) the predicate of a proposition
catenulate
having a chainlike form
catholic
free from provincial prejudices or attachments
celestial
relating to or inhabiting a divine heaven
cellulose
a polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers
cembalo
a clavier with strings that are plucked by plectra mounted on pivots
censure
harsh criticism or disapproval
chaffinch
small European finch with a cheerful song
chalazion
a small sebaceous cyst of the eyelid resulting when a Meibomian gland is blocked
charisma
a personal attractiveness or interestingness that enables you to influence others
chatoyant
varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles
chauffeur
drive someone in a vehicle
chelate
a heterocyclic compound having a metal ion attached by coordinate bonds to at least two nonmetal ions
chicanery
the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
cholla
arborescent cacti having very spiny cylindrical stem segments; southwestern United States and Mexico
choreography
a show involving artistic dancing
churn
a vessel in which cream is agitated to separate butterfat from buttermilk
circumspect
heedful of potential consequences
cirrhosis
a chronic disease interfering with the normal functioning of the liver; the major cause is chronic alcoholism
cite
make reference to
clavier
a stringed instrument that has a keyboard
clinquant
glittering with gold or silver
coalesce
fuse or cause to grow together
cocozelle
squash plant having dark green fruit with skin mottled with light green or yellow
coercion
using force to cause something to occur
coffer
a chest especially for storing valuables
cogent
powerfully persuasive
cognizant
(sometimes followed by `of') having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
cohesion
the state of cohering or sticking together
colleague
an associate that one works with
collimate
make or place parallel to something
collusion
secret agreement
collywobbles
severe gastroenteritis of unknown etiology; characterized by severe colic and vomiting and diarrhea
commiserate
to feel or express sympathy or compassion
compel
force somebody to do something
compelling
driving or forcing
conceited
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
conjecture
to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
conscript
enroll into service compulsorily
constancy
the quality of being enduring and free from change or variation
constituent
an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
constrict
squeeze or press together
consumptive
tending to consume or use often wastefully
contemn
look down on with disdain
contend
compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
contorted
twisted (especially as in pain or struggle)
contrary
exact opposition
contumacious
wilfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient
contuse
injure the underlying soft tissue or bone of
contusion
an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
conventual
of communal life sequestered from the world under religious vows
convoluted
rolled longitudinally upon itself
copacetic
completely satisfactory
coreopsis
any of numerous plants of the genus Coreopsis having a profusion of showy usually yellow daisylike flowers over long periods; North and South America
coriaceous
resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable
coterie
an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
cotton
erect bushy mallow plant or small tree bearing bolls containing seeds with many long hairy fibers
coucal
Old World ground-living cuckoo having a long dagger-like hind claw
couch
an upholstered seat for more than one person
couchant
lying on the stomach with head raised with legs pointed forward
covenant
(Bible) an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return
crass
(of persons) so unrefined as to be lacking in discrimination and sensibility
craven
lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
criollo
a Spanish American of pure European stock (usually Spanish)
crony
a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
crotchety
having a difficult and contrary disposition
crude
belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness
cunning
showing inventiveness and skill
curettage
surgery to remove tissue or growths from a bodily cavity (as the uterus) by scraping with a curette
curmudgeon
a crusty irascible cantankerous old person full of stubborn ideas
cygnet
a young swan
daintily
in a refined manner
debonair
having a sophisticated charm
debutante
a young woman making her debut into society
decadence
the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
decalcomania
either a design that is fixed to some surface or a paper bearing the design which is to be transferred to the surface
decorum
propriety in manners and conduct
deface
mar or spoil the appearance of
deflect
turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest
demagogue
a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices
demeanor
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
demur
take exception to
demure
affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way
denizen
a plant or animal naturalized in a region
depose
force to leave (an office)
derringer
a pocket pistol of large caliber with a short barrel
despondent
without or almost without hope
detrimental
(sometimes followed by `to') causing harm or injury
deviation
a variation that deviates from the standard or norm
devout
deeply religious
diaphanous
so thin as to transmit light
diatribe
thunderous verbal attack
dilate
become wider
dilatory
wasting time
dilettante
an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge
dirge
a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
discordant
not in agreement or harmony
disparate
fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
dissemble
behave unnaturally or affectedly
dither
act nervously; be undecided; be uncertain
diurnal
having a daily cycle or occurring every day
divert
turn aside; turn away from
dodder
a leafless annual parasitic vine of the genus Cuscuta having whitish or yellow filamentous stems; obtain nourishment through haustoria
dogma
a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
dogmatic
of or pertaining to or characteristic of a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
dolabrate
having the shape of the head of an ax or cleaver
domain
a particular environment or walk of life
doubt
the state of being unsure of something
dragoon
a member of a European military unit formerly composed of heavily armed cavalrymen
dray
a low heavy horse cart without sides; used for haulage
droll
comical in an odd or whimsical manner
ecchymosis
the purple or black-and-blue area resulting from a bruise
ecdysis
periodic shedding of the cuticle in arthropods or the outer skin in reptiles
ecstatic
feeling great rapture or delight
eddy
a miniature whirlpool or whirlwind resulting when the current of a fluid doubles back on itself
edify
make understand
edulcorate
make sweeter in taste
effervescent
(of a liquid) giving off bubbles
effete
marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay
efficacy
capacity or power to produce a desired effect
effulgence
the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
elucidate
make clear and (more) comprehensible
embark
go on board
embellish
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
eminent
standing above others in quality or position
eminently
in an eminent manner
emir
an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in Africa or Arabia)
emollient
toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
empathy
understanding and entering into another's feelings
empyrean
of or relating to the sky or heavens
emulate
strive to equal or match, especially by imitating
encolure
the mane of a horse
endeavor
attempt by employing effort
engender
make children
enigma
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
enigmatic
not clear to the understanding
ennui
the feeling of being bored by something tedious
entourage
the group following and attending to some important person
equivocate
be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
erethism
an abnormally high degree of irritability or sensitivity to stimulation of an organ or body part
erratic
liable to sudden unpredictable change
eschew
avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
esoteric
confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
estimable
deserving of respect or high regard
eudiometer
measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube for measuring volume changes in chemical reactions between gases
euphemism
an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
euphony
any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds
exacerbate
make worse
excoriate
express strong disapproval of
exigency
a pressing or urgent situation
exile
the act of expelling a person from their native land
exonerate
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
expatriate
a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
expiate
make amends for
explicit
precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
extinguish
put out, as of fires, flames, or lights
extirpate
destroy completely, as if down to the roots
exuberate
to express great joy
fanatical
marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea
fastidious
giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness
fastigiate
having clusters of erect branches (often appearing to form a single column)
fatuous
devoid of intelligence
felicitous
exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style
fickle
liable to sudden unpredictable change
filigree
delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire)
fisher
someone whose occupation is catching fish
fissiparous
reproducing by fission
fissure
a long narrow depression in a surface
fizgig
a firework that fizzes as it moves
flaunt
display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously
flighty
guided by whim and fancy
florid
elaborately or excessively ornamented
florilegium
an anthology of short literary pieces and poems and ballads etc.
flout
treat with contemptuous disregard
flue
a conduit to carry off smoke
flux
a flow or discharge
fodder
coarse food (especially for livestock) composed of entire plants or the leaves and stalks of a cereal crop
foil
hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
foment
try to stir up public opinion
fontanelle
any membranous gap between the bones of the cranium in an infant or fetus
fop
a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
foppish
affecting extreme elegance in dress and manner
forage
collect or look around for (food)
forbear
a person from whom you are descended
forebear
a person from whom you are descended
forgo
do without or cease to hold or adhere to
fortemente
chiefly a direction or description in music; loud and strong
forthright
directly and without evasion; not roundabout
fossiliferous
bearing or containing fossils
foul
highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust
fowl
a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl
fracas
noisy quarrel
fragrant
pleasant-smelling
frenetic
excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion
frippery
something of little value or significance
fritillary
butterfly with brownish wings marked with black and silver
fructose
a simple sugar found in honey and in many ripe fruits
frugal
avoiding waste
frugality
prudence in avoiding waste
galactose
a simple sugar found in lactose
galbulus
the seed-producing cone of a cypress tree
gall
a digestive juice secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder; aids in the digestion of fats
gallimaufry
a motley assortment of things
gamin
(sometimes offensive) a homeless boy who has been abandoned and roams the streets
gauge
a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.
Gaul
a person of French descent
gegenschein
a faint spot of light in the night sky that appears directly opposite the position of the sun; a reflection of sunlight by micrometeoric material in space
gemsbok
large South African oryx with a broad black band along its flanks
genteel
marked by refinement in taste and manners
genuflect
bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
gerenuk
slender East African antelope with slim neck and backward-curving horns
gerontocracy
a political system governed by old men
NOTES:
respect your elders
gestation
the period during which an embryo develops (about 266 days in humans)
gimcrack
tastelessly showy
girasol
tall perennial with hairy stems and leaves; widely cultivated for its large irregular edible tubers
glabrous
having no hair or similar growth; smooth
glib
artfully persuasive in speech
glucose
a monosaccharide sugar that has several forms; an important source of physiological energy
grate
reduce to small shreds or pulverize by rubbing against a rough or sharp perforated surface
gravid
in an advanced stage of pregnancy
gravitate
move toward
greave
armor plate that protects legs below the knee
greenbrier
a very prickly woody vine of the eastern United States growing in tangled masses having tough round stems with shiny leathery leaves and small greenish flowers followed by clusters of inedible shiny black berries
grievous
causing or marked by grief or anguish
grovel
show submission or fear
guillemot
small black or brown speckled auks of northern seas
gurnard
bottom-dwelling coastal fishes with spiny armored heads and fingerlike pectoral fins used for crawling along the sea bottom
guyot
a seamount of volcanic origin (especially in the Pacific Ocean)
habiliment
a covering designed to be worn on a person's body
handicap
the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
heaume
a large medieval helmet supported on the shoulders
hellebore
any plant of the Eurasian genus Helleborus
hematochrome
a reddish coloring material found in some algae
heptad
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
hermetic
completely sealed; completely airtight
heterogeneous
consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature
hindrance
any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
histrionic
characteristic of acting or a stage performance; often affected
homage
respectful deference
hostile
characterized by enmity or ill will
husband
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
hyperbole
extravagant exaggeration
hypocorism
a name of endearment (especially one using a diminutive suffix)
icosahedron
any polyhedron having twenty plane faces
ignite
cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat
ignoble
completely lacking nobility in character or quality or purpose
ignominious
(used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
ignominy
a state of dishonor
imbue
spread or diffuse through
imperturbable
not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure
impervious
not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
implacable
incapable of being placated
implore
call upon in supplication; entreat
importune
beg persistently and urgently
imprecate
wish harm upon; invoke evil upon
imprecation
the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult)
impugn
attack as false or wrong
incapacitate
make unable to perform a certain action
incessant
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
inchoate
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
inculcate
teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
induce
cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner
indulge
yield (to); give satisfaction to
ingenious
showing inventiveness and skill
ingenue
an artless innocent young girl (especially as portrayed on the stage)
ingot
metal that is cast in the shape of a block for convenient handling
ingrate
a person who shows no gratitude
ingratiate
gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
innocuous
not injurious to physical or mental health
inordinate
beyond normal limits
inquest
an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death
insensate
devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation
insidious
working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way
instigate
provoke or stir up
insuperable
incapable of being surmounted or excelled
insurgency
an organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a constituted government through the use of subversion and armed conflict
intemperate
excessive in behavior
interregnum
the time between two reigns, governments, etc.
intractable
not tractable; difficult to manage or mold
inundate
fill or cover completely, usually with water
inure
cause to accept or become hardened to; habituate
inutile
not worth using
invective
abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
inveigh
complain bitterly
inveigle
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
invoke
request earnestly (something from somebody); ask for aid or protection
involucre
a highly conspicuous bract or bract pair or ring of bracts at the base of an inflorescence
irascible
quickly aroused to anger
irreverent
showing lack of due respect or veneration
itinerant
traveling from place to place to work
judicious
marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters
juncture
the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made
kindle
catch fire
koan
a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution; used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning
NOTES:
paradoxical anecdote or riddle that has no reason
kob
an orange-brown antelope of southeast Africa
kudos
an expression of approval and commendation
lachrymose
showing sorrow
lackey
a male servant (especially a footman)
lactose
a sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule; occurs only in milk
lambaste
censure severely or angrily
languid
lacking spirit or liveliness
lapidary
a skilled worker who cuts and engraves precious stones
larder
a small storeroom for storing foods or wines
laud
praise, glorify, or honor
lavish
very generous
leger
a record in which commercial accounts are recorded
legerdemain
an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
legerity
the gracefulness of a person or animal that is quick and nimble
lepidopterist
an entomologist who specializes in the collection and study of butterflies and moths
levitate
cause to rise in the air and float, as if in defiance of gravity
liberal
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
libertine
unrestrained by convention or morality
light
(physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
lignify
convert into wood or cause to become woody
lignin
a complex polymer; the chief constituent of wood other than carbohydrates; binds to cellulose fibers to harden and strengthen cell walls of plants
liman
a long narrow lagoon near the mouth of a river
lingual
pertaining to or resembling or lying near the tongue
listless
lacking zest or vivacity
little
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
livery
uniform worn by some menservants and chauffeurs
livid
furiously angry
loosestrife
any of numerous herbs and subshrubs of the genus Lythrum
lorikeet
any of various small lories
lory
small brightly colored Australasian parrots having a brush-tipped tongue for feeding on nectar and soft fruits
luculent
(of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
luminance
the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light
luminary
a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
luminous
softly bright or radiant
luxuriant
produced or growing in extreme abundance
machination
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
madrilene
a tomato-flavored consomme; often served chilled
malediction
the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult)
malinger
avoid responsibilities and duties, e.g., by pretending to be ill
maltose
a white crystalline sugar formed during the digestion of starches
manipulate
influence or control shrewdly or deviously
mantel
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
marshall
(in some countries) a military officer of highest rank
martial
suggesting war or military life
martinet
someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms
maudlin
effusively or insincerely emotional
mean
denote or connote
melange
a motley assortment of things
mellifluous
pleasing to the ear
melodious
having a musical sound; especially a pleasing tune
membrane
a pliable sheet of tissue that covers or lines or connects the organs or cells of animals or plants
menage
a social unit living together
mendacious
given to lying
Mercurial
relating to or having characteristics (eloquence, shrewdness, swiftness, thievishness) attributed to the god Mercury
mercurial
liable to sudden unpredictable change
meretricious
tastelessly showy
meringue
sweet topping especially for pies made of beaten egg whites and sugar
meteor
(astronomy) any of the small solid extraterrestrial bodies that hits the earth's atmosphere
micelle
an electrically charged particle built up from polymeric molecules or ions and occurring in certain colloidal electrolytic solutions like soaps and detergents
mien
dignified manner or conduct
mihrab
(Islam) a design in the shape of niche in a Muslim prayer rug; during worship the niche must be pointed toward Mecca
militate
have force or influence; bring about an effect or change
mimetic
exhibiting mimicry
mimic
imitate (a person or manner), especially for satirical effect
mineralogy
the branch of geology that studies minerals: their structure and properties and the ways of distinguishing them
mirth
great merriment
misanthrope
someone who dislikes people in general
misoneism
hatred of change or innovation
mollify
cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
molt
cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers
monastery
the residence of a religious community
monastic
of communal life sequestered from the world under religious vows
mongoose
agile grizzled Old World viverrine; preys on snakes and rodents
mongrel
derogatory term for a variation that is not genuine; something irregular or inferior or of dubious origin
monism
the doctrine that reality consists of a single basic substance or element
morello
any of several cultivated sour cherry trees bearing fruit with dark skin and juice
morose
showing a brooding ill humor
motif
a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work
motor
machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
mulish
unreasonably rigid in the face of argument or entreaty or attack
multifarious
having many aspects
mundane
found in the ordinary course of events
muniments
deeds and other documentary evidence of title to land
musty
covered with or smelling of mold
myopia
(ophthalmology) eyesight abnormality resulting from the eye's faulty refractive ability; distant objects appear blurred
myopic
unable to see distant objects clearly
nacelle
a streamlined enclosure for an aircraft engine
naive
marked by or showing unaffected simplicity and lack of guile or worldly experience
narcissist
someone in love with themselves
nebulous
lacking definite form or limits
neologism
a newly invented word or phrase
neophyte
any new participant in some activity
nonuple
having nine units or components
nuance
a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
numismatics
the collection and study of money (and coins in particular)
nutation
uncontrolled nodding
obeisance
bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
obsequious
attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
obstinate
tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
oersted
the magnetic field strength 1 cm from a unit magnetic pole
oleaginous
containing an unusual amount of grease or oil
omen
a sign of something about to happen
ominous
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
onerous
not easily borne; wearing
opaque
not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; impenetrable to sight
oracle
a shrine where an oracular god is consulted
orient
the hemisphere that includes Eurasia and Africa and Australia
ormolu
brass that looks like gold; used to decorate furniture
orotund
ostentatiously lofty in style
orpiment
a yellow mineral occurring in conjunction with realgar; an ore of arsenic
oscillate
move or swing from side to side regularly
ossify
become bony
ostensible
appearing as such but not necessarily so
overwrought
deeply agitated especially from emotion
paddle
a short light oar used without an oarlock to propel a canoe or small boat
palatial
relating to or being a palace
palliate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
panache
distinctive and stylish elegance
panoply
a complete and impressive array
paradox
(logic) a statement that contradicts itself
parry
impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
participant
someone who takes part in an activity
participate
become a participant; be involved in
partisan
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
pastiche
a work of art that imitates the style of some previous work
patron
someone who supports or champions something
pejorative
expressing disapproval
pelagic
relating to or occurring or living in or frequenting the open ocean
pelisse
a sleeveless cape that is lined or trimmed with fur
penal
of or relating to punishment
penalty
the disadvantage or painful consequences of an action or condition
penology
the branch of criminology concerned with prison management and prisoner rehabilitation
NOTES:
prisoners and their management
penury
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
peregrination
traveling or wandering around
peregrine
migratory
perfidious
tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans
perfunctory
hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
periodic
happening or recurring at regular intervals
peripatetic
traveling especially on foot
peripety
a sudden and unexpected change of fortune or reverse of circumstances (especially in a literary work)
periphery
the outside boundary or surface of something
permeable
allowing fluids or gases to pass or diffuse through
permeate
spread or diffuse through
pervade
spread or diffuse through
phalanx
any closely ranked crowd of people
philter
a drink credited with magical power; can make the one who takes it love the one who gave it
phlegmatic
showing little emotion
phocine
of or relating to seals
piddle
waste time; spend one's time idly or inefficiently
piecemeal
one thing at a time
pilfer
make off with belongings of others
pillory
a wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn
pith
soft spongelike central cylinder of the stems of most flowering plants
pithy
concise and full of meaning
pivot
axis consisting of a short shaft that supports something that turns
pixie
(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
plastron
a metal breastplate that was worn under a coat of mail
plectron
a small thin device (of metal or plastic or ivory) used to pluck a stringed instrument
plethora
extreme excess
pliant
capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
plod
walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
plucky
showing courage
poke
hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument
Polk
11th President of the United States; his expansionism led to the Mexican War and the annexation of California and much of the southwest (1795-1849)
polliwog
a larval frog or toad
polysemous
of words; having many meanings
pomade
hairdressing consisting of a perfumed oil or ointment
poppycock
senseless talk
potentate
a ruler who is unconstrained by law
pragmatic
concerned with practical matters
prattle
speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
precipitate
hurl or throw violently
preclude
make impossible, especially beforehand
precocious
characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)
pregnant
carrying developing offspring within the body or being about to produce new life
prescient
perceiving the significance of events before they occur
preterite
a term formerly used to refer to the simple past tense
preterition
suggesting by deliberately concise treatment that much of significance is omitted
prevaricate
be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
prevenient
in anticipation
prodigal
recklessly wasteful
profane
grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred
proffer
present for acceptance or rejection
profligate
unrestrained by convention or morality
profuse
produced or growing in extreme abundance
prognosis
a prediction of the course of a disease
prognosticate
make a prediction about; tell in advance
prognostication
a sign of something about to happen
propaedeutic
preceding and preparing for something
propitious
presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
proscribe
command against
proselyte
a new convert; especially a gentile converted to Judaism
provision
the activity of supplying or providing something
prudence
discretion in practical affairs
prudish
exaggeratedly proper
pteridology
the branch of botany that studies ferns
puerile
displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity
pulchritude
physical beauty (especially of a woman)
pulchritudinous
used of persons only; having great physical beauty
purview
the range of interest or activity that can be anticipated
pusillanimous
lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful
pyrexia
a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
quarantine
isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease
quatercentenary
the 400th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
querulous
habitually complaining
quiet
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
quietus
euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb)
quirk
a strange attitude or habit
quirt
whip with a leather thong at the end
quotidian
found in the ordinary course of events
raconteur
a person skilled in telling anecdotes
rancid
(used of decomposing oils or fats) having a rank smell or taste usually due to a chemical change or decomposition
rancor
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
rank
relative status
rant
talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
rapport
a relationship of mutual understanding or trust and agreement between people
raspy
unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound
recede
pull back or move away or backward
recoil
spring back; spring away from an impact
rectitude
righteousness as a consequence of being honorable and honest
recto
right-hand page
redoubt
an entrenched stronghold or refuge
redoubtable
inspiring fear
reek
give off smoke, fumes, warm vapour, steam, etc.
refine
reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities
refract
subject to refraction
refractory
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
refugee
an exile who flees for safety
refurbish
make brighter and prettier
remit
send (money) in payment
remunerate
make payment to; compensate
rend
tear or be torn violently
renege
fail to fulfill a promise or obligation
repast
the food served and eaten at one time
repel
force or drive back
replete
filled to satisfaction with food or drink
repository
a facility where things can be deposited for storage or safekeeping
residue
matter that remains after something has been removed
reticent
reluctant to draw attention to yourself
retinue
the group following and attending to some important person
reverent
feeling or showing profound respect or veneration
revoke
cancel officially
rhetoric
study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
rhubarb
plants having long green or reddish acidic leafstalks growing in basal clumps; stems (and only the stems) are edible when cooked; leaves are poisonous
rickettsial
relating to or caused by rickettsias
rig
equip with sails or masts
rigor
excessive sternness
risible
arousing or provoking laughter
rostrum
a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
rotor
rotating mechanism consisting of an assembly of rotating airfoils
rubric
category name
ruse
a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
sabot
a shoe carved from a single block of wood
sabotage
a deliberate act of destruction or disruption in which equipment is damaged
saboteur
someone who commits sabotage or deliberately causes wrecks
sagacious
acutely insightful and wise
sage
a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
salient
having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
salver
a tray (or large plate) for serving food or drinks; usually made of silver
samarium
a grey lustrous metallic element of the rare earth group; is used in special alloys; occurs in monazite and bastnasite
sanctimonious
excessively or hypocritically pious
sanctuary
a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept
sardonic
disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking
sate
fill to satisfaction
satiate
fill to satisfaction
satire
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
scamper
to move about or proceed hurriedly
scant
less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so
scarcity
a small and inadequate amount
scathing
marked by harshly abusive criticism
scavenge
clean refuse from
scheme
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
schism
division of a group into opposing factions
schismatic
of or relating to or involved in or characteristic of schism
scintilla
a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
scour
rub hard or scrub
scrimshaw
a carving (or engraving) on whalebone, whale ivory, walrus tusk, etc., usually by American whalers
secede
withdraw from an organization or communion
seep
pass gradually or leak through or as if through small openings
seine
a large fishnet that hangs vertically, with floats at the top and weights at the bottom
sequester
keep away from others
serictery
silk-producing gland of insects (especially of a silkworm) or spiders
sgraffito
a ceramic or mural decoration made by scratching off a surface layer to reveal the ground
sheath
a protective covering (as for a knife or sword)
sheer
so thin as to transmit light
shigella
rod-shaped Gram-negative enterobacteria; some are pathogenic for warm-blooded animals; can be used as a bioweapon
shigellosis
an acute infection of the intestine by shigella bacteria; characterized by diarrhea and fever and abdominal pains
shrine
a place of worship hallowed by association with some sacred thing or person
shroud
burial garment in which a corpse is wrapped
sibilant
of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then')
sibilant
of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then')
sibling
a person's brother or sister
sinecure
an office that involves minimal duties
sinister
stemming from evil characteristics or forces; wicked or dishonorable
sinuous
curved or curving in and out
slake
satisfy (thirst)
slander
words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
slat
a thin strip (wood or metal)
slogan
a favorite saying of a sect or political group
sloth
a disinclination to work or exert yourself
sluice
conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate
smallpox
a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever and weakness and skin eruption with pustules that form scabs that slough off leaving scars
smithereens
a collection of small fragments considered as a whole
sobriquet
a familiar name for a person (often a shortened version of a person's given name)
sodden
wet through and through; thoroughly wet
solicitude
a feeling of excessive concern
solmizate
sing by the syllables of solmization
sophisticated
having or appealing to those having worldly knowledge and refinement and savoir-faire
sourdine
an organ stop resulting in a soft muted sound
spallation
(physics) a nuclear reaction in which a bombarded nucleus breaks up into many particles
sparge
scatter with liquid; wet lightly
Spartan
of or relating to or characteristic of Sparta or its people
spawn
the mass of eggs deposited by fish or amphibians or molluscs
specious
plausible but false
spleen
a large dark-red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses
spline
a thin strip (wood or metal)
spurious
plausible but false
spurn
reject with contempt
spurt
gush forth in a sudden stream or jet
squalor
sordid dirtiness
squander
spend thoughtlessly; throw away
staccato
separating the notes; in music
stateliness
impressiveness in scale or proportion
steadfast
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
stentor
any of several trumpet-shaped ciliate protozoans that are members of the genus Stentor
stentorian
used of the voice
stigma
a symbol of disgrace or infamy
stolid
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
strident
unpleasantly loud and harsh
stringent
demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
strive
attempt by employing effort
styptic
tending to check bleeding by contracting the tissues or blood vessels
subsist
support oneself
succedaneum
(medicine) something that can be used as a substitute (especially any medicine that may be taken in place of another)
sucrose
a complex carbohydrate found in many plants and used as a sweetening agent
suffrage
a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment
suffuse
cause to spread or flush or flood through, over, or across
surfeit
indulge (one's appetite) to satiety
surly
inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace
susurrant
making a low continuous indistinct sound
susurration
the indistinct sound of people whispering
sybarite
a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses
symbiosis
the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other
symphysis
a growing together of parts or structures
syncopation
a musical rhythm accenting a normally weak beat
syncytium
a mass of cytoplasm containing several nuclei and enclosed in a membrane but no internal cell boundaries (as in muscle fibers)
synovial
relating to or secreting synovia
syrinx
the vocal organ of a bird
talipot
tall palm of southern India and Sri Lanka with gigantic leaves used as umbrellas and fans or cut into strips for writing paper
technetium
a crystalline metallic element not found in nature; occurs as one of the fission products of uranium
tektite
thought to derive from meteorites
telamon
a figure of a man used as a supporting column
tendinitis
inflammation of a tendon
tendinous
consisting of tendons or resembling a tendon
terete
especially of plant parts; cylindrical and tapering
terrestrial
of or relating to or characteristic of the planet Earth or its inhabitants
tetramerous
having or consisting of four similar parts; tetramerous flowers
theme
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
timbale
individual serving of minced e.g. meat or fish in a rich creamy sauce baked in a small pastry mold or timbale shell
tinder
material for starting a fire
tirade
a speech of violent denunciation
toady
a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
totter
move without being stable, as if threatening to fall
touchwood
material for starting a fire
transfixed
having your attention fixated as though by a spell
translucent
allowing light to pass through diffusely
trenchant
having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect
tribologist
a specialist in tribology
triskelion
a figure consisting of three stylized human arms or legs (or three bent lines) radiating from a center
trite
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
tryst
a secret rendezvous (especially between lovers)
tubercular
pertaining to or of the nature of a normal tuberosity or tubercle
tulle
a fine (often starched) net used for veils or tutus or gowns
turgid
ostentatiously lofty in style
turncoat
a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.
tycoon
a very wealthy or powerful businessman
unequivocal
admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion
ungulate
any of a number of mammals with hooves that are superficially similar but not necessarily closely related taxonomically
unkempt
not properly maintained or cared for
unremitting
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
upbraid
express criticism towards
urbane
showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience
urchin
poor and often mischievous city child
utile
being of use or service
variola
a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever and weakness and skin eruption with pustules that form scabs that slough off leaving scars
vaunt
show off
vehement
marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
velleity
a mere wish, unaccompanied by effort to obtain
vellication
a sudden muscle spasm; especially one caused by a nervous condition
vellum
fine parchment prepared from the skin of a young animal e.g. a calf or lamb
venerable
profoundly honored
venerate
regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
venire
(law) a group of people summoned for jury service (from whom a jury will be chosen)
verge
the limit beyond which something happens or changes
vernal
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
Versailles
a city in north central France near Paris; site of the Palace of Versailles that was built by Louis XIV in the 17th century
verso
left-hand page
verticil
a whorl of leaves growing around a stem
verticillate
forming one or more whorls (especially a whorl of leaves around a stem)
vestige
an indication that something has been present
vicegerent
someone appointed by a ruler as an administrative deputy
vicereine
wife of a viceroy
videlicet
as follows
visage
the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
vituperate
spread negative information about
volatile
a volatile substance; a substance that changes readily from solid or liquid to a vapor
voter
a citizen who has a legal right to vote
wane
a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
wheedle
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
whelk
large carnivorous marine gastropods of coastal waters and intertidal regions having a strong snail-like shell
whet
sharpen by rubbing, as on a whetstone
whimsical
determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
wight
a human being; `wight' is an archaic term
wily
marked by skill in deception
winsome
charming in a childlike or naive way
wraith
a mental representation of some haunting experience
wreak
cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
xanthophyll
yellow carotenoid pigments in plants and animal fats and egg yolks
xenophobia
a fear of foreigners or strangers
yautia
tropical American aroid having edible tubers that are cooked and eaten like yams or potatoes
yoke
support consisting of a wooden frame across the shoulders that enables a person to carry buckets hanging from each end
zeal
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
zealot
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
Zeitgeist
the spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or generation
NOTES:
: the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era
Etymology: German, from Zeit + Geist spirit
zenith
the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
zephyr
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
ziggurat
a rectangular tiered temple or terraced mound erected by the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians
brigand
an armed thief who is (usually) a member of a band
brigade
army unit smaller than a division
assent
to agree or express agreement
agree
consent or assent to a condition, or agree to do something
cockloft
a small loft or garret
garret
floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
whack
the act of hitting vigorously
flummox
be a mystery or bewildering to
vignette
a brief literary description
sketch
preliminary drawing for later elaboration
ampoule
a small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
ampule
a small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
ennead
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
NOTES:
noun
group of nine